Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, VÄ›ra Jourová marked the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law on behalf of the European Union.Â
This was accomplished during the informal meeting of Ministers of Justice of member states of the Council of Europe in Vilnius, Lithuania. This is the first Convention lawfully binding international instruments on artificial intelligence. It is fully consistent with Union law in general, and the EU AI Act in certain, which is the first comprehensive AI regulation globally.
What are the key principles of the AI Framework Convention?
The Convention supplies a common approach to assure that AI systems are consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law while promoting innovation and trust. It includes several key ideas from the EU AI Act such as a risk-based approach, transparency along the value chain of AI systems and AI-generated content, clear documentation obligations for AI systems recognised as high-risk, and risk management obligations with the opportunity to introduce bans for AI systems considered a clear threat to fundamental rights.
What countries participated in negotiating the AI Convention?
The signature took place at the informal meeting of the Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, Lithuania. Negotiating groups included the EU, other Council of Europe Member States, the Holy See, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Israel, Australia, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, and Costa Rica. The intake of 68 international delegates from civil society, academia, industry and other international organisations also provided a comprehensive and inclusive process. The Council of Europe Convention marked today is part of the EU’s broader efforts in AI at the international level, which contain discussions at the G7, the OECD, the G20 and the United Nations.
The principles and the duties envisaged in the Convention will apply to actions within the lifecycle of AI systems launched by public authorities or private actors acting on their behalf. As concerns private sector actors, while they still must manage risks and impacts from AI systems in a way that aligns with the Convention’s goals, they have the opportunity to either apply the Convention’s obligations directly or execute alternative, appropriate measures.
Are there exemptions for AI research and national security?
The Convention contains exemptions for research and development, as well as for national safety. It is open to accession to Council of Europe members, the EU, and other third countries around the world.
